On 2nd May 2012, Dharavi had a high profile visitor.
(Image Courtesy: Reality Gives)
During his one-week visit in India, His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew, Duke of York came to see Dharavi, one of Asia’s biggest slums. He came to learn about the benefits and challenges of industry, the issues related to vernacular medium schools in Mumbai, and how art programs are allowing children to explore themselves and their worlds in Dharavi.
The Royal Highness chose to visit Dharavi with Reality Tours and Travel, an ethical tour company to learn more about the strengths and issues of the slum community as well as to see the impact of the social programs run by Reality Gives, its sister NGO. Since 2006, Reality Tours and Travels has run educational tours through Dharavi to break down negative stereotypes about its residents and raise social awareness. Eighty percent of its profits go towards Reality Gives, an NGO founded to provide social services requested by the community. Reality Gives is an Atma partner providing services in education and extra-curricular activities such as arts and sports with the goal of personal and community development for the residents of Dharavi.
Summer Starr,Executive Director at Reality Gives said,“We spoke with Prince Andrew about our art program and our work English support for vernacular schools.It was an honor to host the Prince and explain the work we are doing to raise social awareness about Dharavi as well as the work we are doing in the community.”
A huge congratulations to Reality Gives from Atma on a successful Royal visit.
To learn more, visit the Reality Gives Blog.
